TRENTON, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) — New Jersey Senate President Stephen Sweeney (D-Gloucester) said Monday that Gov. Chris Christie might have “prayed” for Superstorm Sandy, because it has provided cover for what Sweeney said are the governor’s failed economic policies.

Sweeney said the Republican governor’s jobs plan before Sandy was a disaster, and now the reconstruction will provide an economic boost through thousands of construction jobs.

“I guess he prayed a lot and got lucky because a storm came,” Sweeney said.

New Jersey Senate President: Christie May Have 'Prayed' For Sandy To Come

Democrats have for some time blamed Christie’s administration for failing to create jobs or rescue more homeowners from foreclosure.

Republicans called the comment “way out of line.”

Sweeney, who is the most powerful elected Democrat in New Jersey, immediately apologized for the remark.